Back-to-school season isn’t just for the kids: it’s time to elevate your food game! Check, Please! Bay Area is back in September with new tasty recommendations for local restaurants you won’t want to miss! In each episode of this award-winning series, three residents join host Leslie Sbrocco to share their favorite local place to eat; after checking out each other’s spots, they join Sbrocco to discuss, debate and dish on their dining experiences. Check out five new episodes, Thursdays beginning September 7 at 7:30pm on KQED 9.

Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect:

September 7

A playful twist on familiar Chinese takeout from the mind of a Michelin and James Beard Award-winning Chef at Mamahuhu (Mill Valley)
A classic and refined yet unpretentious bistro highlighting Californian fare like the fan-favorite Roasted Chicken for Two at Zuni Café (San Francisco)
“Oakland-style” sourdough crust pizza with unexpected toppings that lean into seasonal flavors at an East Bay neighborhood gem, Nick’s Pizza and Bakery (Oakland)

September 14

Saucy and savory Italian comfort food boasting familiar pastas, pizzas, and parms with an entirely plant-based twist at Baia Restaurant (San Francisco)
Simple, savory, and oh-so-satisfying pub fare, nearly two dozen taps, and unbeatable views of Mare Island at Mare Island Brewing Co. Ferry Taproom (Vallejo)
Eclectic, family-style Mediterranean small plates and a carefully curated list of European wines in an intimate, charming setting at À Coté (Oakland)
“Cecilia Tries It” visits the country’s oldest cheese company for lessons in cheesemongering, beekeeping and honey harvesting at Marin French Cheese Co. (Petaluma)

September 21

Mediterranean mezze plates and mouthwatering woodfired kebabs and spit-roasted shawarma, marrying classic Levantine street food and a vibrant, playful atmosphere at Mazra (San Bruno)
Simple yet satisfying hand-stretched mozzarella, house-ground polenta, homemade sausage, and slightly blistered thin, crisp crusts paired with ample fresh toppings at Benchmark Pizzeria (Kensington)
Meatless Mexican bites that delivery all the traditional taqueria flavors with their all-vegan menu at Flacos (Berkeley)
“Cecilia Tries It” discovers a market featuring plant-based fare, vegan sweets and other treats for environmentally conscious eaters at Hella Plants Market (San Francisco)

September 28

Flavorful fish tacos, succulent shrimp and squid cocktails at a former food stand turned taqueria specializing in simply prepared Mexican favorites with a seasonal selection of seafood at Día de Pesca (San Jose)
Vietnamese feasts in abundance, ranging from more familiar fare to their showstopping Phozilla – a massive bowl of show-stopping pho stuffed with Maine lobster, filet mignon, brisket, oxtail and other decadent toppings – at Gao Viet Kitchen & Bar (San Mateo)
Classic homemade Neapolitan and contemporary Southern Italian fare at a charming restored Victorian at Fiore Caffè (San Francisco)

October 5

Hearty Central American breakfasts at a coffee shop in 1997 turned Mission dining destination at Cafe La Taza (San Francisco)
English pub grub, from bangers and mash to Shepherd’s pie, fish and chips to “England’s Most Popular Sticky Toffee Pudding”, and the best of British and Irish Brews at Kensington Circus Pub (Kensington)
Beloved Mediterranean and Arabic dishes, showcasing the versatility of Palestinian cuisine from hummus to shakshuka, and kebabs to fattoush at Beit Rima (San Francisco)
“Cecilia Tries It” explores crafted handmade tortillas from all-natural stone-ground corn at the family-owned East Bay institution Mexico Tortilla Factory (Newark)

Don’t see your favorite restaurant on the list? There’s still time to tell us about your go-to spot; we’re accepting applications for our next batch of guests, and we want to hear from you!

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And we have a bit more good news: Are you a food fan in the South Bay, Peninsula or North Bay? Check, Please! Bay Area producers are on the lookout for guests from these regions. Nominate your can’t-miss picks and apply to be a guest now at kqed.org/checkplease/apply.

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Check, Please! Bay Area Returns This September with New Episodes!